Keeping it Together: Just the idea of seeing my family has me smiling

On Sunday I got to spend Father’s Day with my actual father for the first time in many years. 

For a long time I lived in the Washington, D.C. area, too far from my parents in the Philadelphia suburbs to visit for a single day. And last year, of course, there was no question of seeing my dad because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But this year, with everyone vaccinated and the four-hour drive cut down to 50 minutes, we got to have a good old fashioned brunch. 

And it’s not just Father’s Day that’s different. In July, I’ll travel to Michigan to see my sister and meet my nephew, who is almost 9 months old. There’s a Fourth of July barbecue with my husband’s family on the books. Christmas plans are being sorted with siblings and parents. 

abroad this Christmas is enough to lift my spirits, to bring a little more hope to my life after a year of fear. And when we are in person, I can feel my mood rise. here. 

Today’s reads

• Prime Day continues! Our friends at Reviewed.com are still hunting deals for you to shop. 
• From our sports writer Mike Freeman: Why Carl Nassib coming out does even more than just making NFL history. 
• Planning a family vacation this summer? Our experts recommend these spots. 
• Important for dog moms and dads: Tips to keep your pup safe during the summer heat wave. 
• Bye Bye Bye rivalry: Backstreet Boys and NSYNC members form ‘dream team’ band ‘Back-Sync.’ If you can believe it. 

Today’s pet

Meet a cat who wants to get out of bed as much as I do. 

“We are slow this morning,” Sue Wallace of North Carolina says of life with her black-and-white cat. 

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